Briefly about the examination

Since you are at increased risk of developing diabetes during your pregnancy, you are offered a test to measure your blood sugar. For the test, you will drink a sugar solution consisting of water added with sugar. It is also called: Fasting plasma glucose test.

The examination lasts approximately 2½ hours. The examination takes place at Gentofte Hospital. There can be various reasons why you develop gestational diabetes. The risk is increased for women who:

• had a BMI above 27 before pregnancy
• has a family history of diabetes
• has previously given birth to a child weighing more than 4500 grams
• has previously had gestational diabetes
• has or has had sugar in the urine during pregnancy
• are expecting twins
• suffers from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Important preparation

Eat as you normally do for 4 days before the examination

For the last 4 days before the examination, you should eat as you normally would.

You must fast before the examination

You must fast before the examination. This means that the last 8 hours before the examination:

• you should stop eating. This also applies to chewing gum, sweets and lozenges
• you may drink no more than ½ glass of water. This amount should cover any necessary medication.

Contact us if you get sick, have a fever or are taking antibiotics

If you get sick or are taking antibiotics, we cannot do the examination. You must therefore call us, at the latest in the morning of the examination day, so that we can give you a new appointment. See the telephone number under the contact information.

Bring reading material and something to eat

It is a good idea to bring a book, magazine or other entertainment to pass the time while you wait. We also recommend that you bring some food to eat after the examination is done.

At the hospital

The examination itself

You will drink 2-3 dl of sugar water within 5 minutes. After that, you will have to wait for 2 hours.

Discomfort during the examination

Some women feel a little uncomfortable or nauseous after drinking the sugar water. It may help to lie down. We will find a place for you to rest if you feel unwell.

Stay still

You will need to stay in the hospital while you wait. It is important that you stay still, as too much movement can affect the results of the examination, but you should not fall asleep. You are welcome to go to the toilet.

You should not eat, drink or smoke

You should not eat, drink or smoke while you are waiting as this affects your blood sugar.

We will take a blood sample

After about 2 hours, we will take a blood sample from your arm. We will send the blood sample for further examination.

The test result

If the blood test shows that you have gestational diabetes, we will contact you within a week to arrange the next steps. If the blood test does not show signs of diabetes, you will not hear from us

Contact

You are always welcome to contact us if you have any questions.

Diabetes nurse/midwife:

• Phone: 38 68 96 30
• Phone hours: Thursdays 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Pregnancy, clinic 1

• Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1 Elevator 1, 21st floor
• Phone: 38 68 37 35
• Phone hours: Weekdays 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

You can also write to us at www.minsundhedsplatform.dk or in the MinSP app.